Types of Child Custody in Jacksonville, FL

Finding a Parenting Plan that is Right for You

When a couple has made the decision to legally end their marriage in Jacksonville,
FL, there are several important factors that must be sorted out before
they will have the chance to move on separately. This includes making
decisions about
property division, debt allocation and child custody.

Making decisions about these contentious issues is usually never easy,
especially if the couple is not divorcing amicably, so a substantial number
of couples choose to resolve the matter of their divorce in court. In
doing so, however, both parties must trust in a judge to make the right
decision about a future parenting plan.

If you are currently going through a
divorce, it is important to ensure that your rights as a parent are upheld. Although
the court system is required to look after the best interests of your
child, a judge may not necessarily take your concerns into consideration.

For this reason, it is highly recommended that you resolve the matters
of your separation with a Jacksonville divorce lawyer by your side. My
firm will fight aggressively for the type of child custody arrangement
that is right for you – whether you are looking to obtain sole custody
or even just
visitation rights – so do not hesitate to give me a call today.

The Difference Between Physical & Legal Custody

In Florida, there are two different types of
child custody, physical and legal, that subsequently dictate a parent's rights. Physical
custody simply refers a parent's responsibility to house their child and
make decisions on their behalf on a day-to-day basis. This means that
either one or both parents would be responsible for providing protection,
a suitable home environment and any necessary amenities. In Florida, a
judge will typically rule in favor of shared physical custody so that
each parent would have the opportunity to spend time with their child
on a regular basis.

In regard to legal custody, however, it is a parent's ability to make major
life decisions that differentiates the two. Legal custody simply refers
to a parent's right to make decisions about their child's well-being.
For example, having legal custody would give a parent the freedom to make
choices about their child's education, religious practices and medical
treatment – regardless of whether or not they were concurrently
afforded physical custody. Being able to make such decisions is an elemental
part of being a parent, so it is important that you fight for the legal
rights that you deserve.

The Difference Between Sole & Joint Custody

When determining who will be primarily responsible for a child, the judge
can choose to grant one parent sole custody or divide the custody jointly.
If, for example, it was decided that sole custody would better serve the
best interests of the child, the judge may also allow the other parent
to devise a suitable visitation schedule.

In most cases, however, the court will rule in favor of a joint custody
arrangement – unless, of course, there is a valid reason to assume
that the child would be safer and/or more reasonably cared for under the
custody of just one parent.

Even so, there are four different types of custody that could be awarded,
including:

Sole Physical Custody

Joint Physical Custody

Sole Legal Custody

Joint Legal Custody

Speak to One of My Firm's Jacksonville Divorce Lawyers Today

If you are interested in devising a parenting plan that would be beneficial
for all parties involved, it is important that you enlist the help of
an experienced legal professional early on in the process. When you obtain
the help of a
Jacksonville divorce attorney from my firm, you can rest easier knowing that your best interests would
be looked after, as well as your child's. For this reason, I encourage
you to get in touch with the firm as soon as possible to discuss your case.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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